Every family deserves to have a home that fits them and has the right functionality. The perfect home has what your family needs – and that includes the location, features, and quality that fit what you’re looking for, as well works within your budget. When you’re ready to think about your dream home, there are many different aspects to think about, and here are a few key steps to get started.
Set a Basic, Realistic Budget
Looking at finances is one of the first aspects to consider when building a custom home. While you may not be able to account for the cost of every small cost detail when you begin the process, having a solid idea of what you can afford when it comes to building your home is a basic building block to help you navigate. The average cost of building a home is currently $329,000 (generally an average of $150 per square foot), but when you’re customizing this can vary. Consider what you have in terms of cash, financing power, and income, and set a general basic budget. This will make it easier when it comes to making different decisions in the process.
Determine the Location That’s Right for You and Your Family
If you have flexibility in terms of your location, choosing the area that fits you and your family best might take some serious thought and consideration as a family. In fact, if you have the option to live where you choose, this step might actually be your #1 step since different locations can have drastically different costs of living.
However, even if your (or your spouse’s) job is the primary determiner of the home location, there are still plenty of questions you might ask before deciding on a specific area. What type of neighborhood fits the family best? What is the maximum commuting distance you’re willing to have? Will the home location be part of an HOA or independent of one? These are just a few of the questions to ask as you’re deciding on the specific location for your custom-built dream home.
Select a Home Site
Once you’ve answered many of the questions regarding the specific area for your family’s new home, finding and purchasing the lot itself will be a key step. Along with your budget, you’ll decide the size and type of lot that suits your family best. Considerations when choosing your lot include whether the land is zoned and has access to utilities like water, sewer, electricity, and high-speed internet.
Consider Different Home Types and What’s Right for You
Finding the perfect land is a major part of the process, and once you’ve found the right lot, there are plenty of decisions to make when it comes to your dream home itself. The general look, layout, and feel are some the primary aspects here. Some families love an open-concept home, while others love more privacy and designated areas for specific spaces. Some prefer a ranch home, while others love the look and feel of a split-level or multi-story home. Looking at different home layouts and styles and seeing what resonates with you and your family can help with this part of the decision-making process.
Decide What Home Features Are Most Important to Your Family
One of the most beautiful things about building a custom home is that you can design it to have the dream features that you’re looking for and will really fit your family’s lifestyle. Basic questions to ask include:
- How many bedrooms are needed (including guest bedrooms)?
- What parts of the home are you willing to spend more on, and where are you willing to cut back? (For example, having a large kitchen to make delicious meals for Christmas dinner or Easter Brunch might be high on your list, but you’re willing to have smaller bathrooms).
- What are key areas that your home needs to fit your family? A playroom? A basement for extra storage? A workout room? A home office? Lay out all the must-haves that will make the home the ideal fit.
- Are there certain features that will make your home highly desirable if you need to sell? Things like an in-ground pool, built-in storage spaces, or a unique breakfast nook might fit your family now and add value that makes it easier to resell if you need to do so later.
This step can feel like a lot, so one way to help with this aspect might be to visualize all the regular activities you and your family do on a daily or weekly basis. For example, if you have several children and need to keep all their school items organized in one place, a wide entryway with plenty of space for backpacks, shoes, and coats might be at the top of your list.
If you’re going with a true custom-built home rather than a spec home, hiring an architect will help you create the perfect layout and design for your new home.
Hire Your Building Team
Hiring a building team you can trust is a key part of the process. They can guide you through the many different steps toward the home’s completion. Word of mouth, checking references, and looking at the National Association of Home Builders directory are ways to find a solid builder.
In some cases, individuals might decide to be their own contractors. There are some advantages to going this route, but in order to do this, having a contractor license is necessary. You’ll need to know the requirements for your state and take a contractor licensure exam. If you’re planning on building a home on your own, you’ll need to pass specific testing administered by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Luckily, there are websites that can help individuals prepare for building contractor license exams.
Be Prepared for the Process to Take Time
Although it can be an incredibly rewarding process, building your dream home can take time. So many factors can impact the process, from the availability of raw materials to inclement weather that pauses the building process. Generally, it can take from about seven to 12 months for a custom home build, but being whippy, knowing the basic steps, and knowing that the process can take more or less time than expected can help you go into the journey with peace of mind.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/male-constructor-drawing-draft-on-paper-roll-3760529/
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